Operation Red Wings - Aftermath, and Repercussions

Aftermath, and Repercussions

Ahmad Shah and his group recovered a large amount of weapons, ammunition, and other materials, including three SOPMOD M4 Carbines fitted with M203 40mm grenade launchers, a ruggedized laptop with an intact hard drive containing maps of embassies in Kabul, night vision equipment, and a sniper spotting scope, among other items from the Navy SEAL reconnaissance and surveillance team, items which they could then use against American, Coalition, and Government of Afghanistan entities. Shah had with him two videographers during the ambush, and As-Sahab Media released a video of the ambush and the items recovered from the SEALs.

A tremendous amount of global media attention was focused on the ambush and the MH-47 shootdown. Shah's group increased as extremists joined his ranks. With the withdrawal of American and Coalition troops at the end of Red Wings II, Shah and his group was able to return to the Kunar Province and begin attacks again. The "sequel" to Operation Red Wings was Operation Whalers, which 2/3 planned and executed in August 2005.